Clayton Kershaw news: Dodgers longtime ace spurns return home

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year deal, despite a flirtation with the Texas Rangers.

Kershaw made appearances at Dallas Mavericks games. Heck, he was even seen at Raising Cane’s in Dallas as recently as last Wednesday.

It turns out that wasn’t a sign of things to come.

The longtime Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher will return to the only team he’s ever known on a one-year contract, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Kershaw was considered the most likely Dodger to return, rather than Kenley Jansen.

What does this mean for the rest of the stars linked to Los Angeles? That remains to be seen.

Clayton Kershaw contract details

Kershaw’s contract is a one-year deal, but as of now we don’t know the financial terms.

Clayton Kershaw injury history

Kershaw injured his elbow and missed the entirety of the 2021 postseason, which could be a reason the Dodgers are being cautious here on a one-year deal.

Per Rosenthal and Dodgers reporter Andy McCullough, however, Kershaw is only a little behind schedule due to the MLB lockout.

Clayton Kershaw homecoming all for show?

Kershaw making appearances around his old hometown doesn’t mean all that much in the grand scheme of things — he is from the area, after all.

During the lockout, Rangers fans flirted with the idea of bringing Kershaw home, and it made sense for a franchise looking to spend this offseason. Texas had already signed Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. Kershaw could’ve been next in line.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.